Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Best for Your Dog’s Health
How to Choose the Best Probiotic for Your Dog: A Complete Guide
With so many pet probiotics on the market today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing the best one for your dog. Probiotics are essential for maintaining your dog’s gut health, which directly impacts their overall wellbeing. However, not all probiotics are created equal, and finding the right one for your pet can be challenging. This guide will help you understand what to look for in a pet probiotic and how to choose the best option for your dog’s needs.
The Role of the Microbiome in Dogs
A dog’s gut plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, with approximately 90% of their immune system residing there. Probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, help balance the gut microbiome, while prebiotics serve as food for these good bacteria, ensuring your dog’s digestive and immune systems are functioning optimally.
The microbiome refers to the community of bacteria and microorganisms living in your dog’s digestive tract. It contains both good (probiotics) and bad bacteria. A healthy microbiome helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and even mental health. Imbalances in the gut microbiome can lead to various health issues, including diarrhea, yeast overgrowth, allergies, and even behavioral problems like anxiety and aggression.
What are probiotics and what do Probiotics Do for Dogs?
Studies have shown that the more diverse the microbiome, the greater the longevity. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain the balance of microorganisms in your dog’s gut. When your dog’s gut is balanced, these bacteria work to:
• Ferment food into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): These are vital for overall health.
• Support immune function: Probiotics aid in building T-cells and defending against pathogens.
• Nourish good bacteria: SCFAs promote the growth of friendly bacteria while crowding out harmful bacteria.
• Protect the gut lining: They help maintain the mucosal lining of the gut, keeping cells close together and reducing the risk of leaky gut.
• Control blood glucose and weight: Probiotics can help lower glucose levels and manage obesity in dogs.
• Fight food allergies: They help prevent allergic reactions by supporting the immune system.
• Enhance nutrient absorption: Probiotics aid in the absorption of essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron.
The Role of Prebiotics in Gut Health
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for probiotics. They ensure that probiotics remain healthy, active and fuel the growth and activity of these microorganisms already living in your dog’s gut, contributing to a balanced and healthy microbiome which is why it’s essential to include prebiotic-rich foods in your dog’s diet alongside probiotics.
When Should You Give Prebiotics to Dogs?
1. Promote Healthy Gut Flora: Prebiotics help maintain a diverse and healthy population of beneficial bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or has recently been on antibiotics (which can disrupt gut flora), prebiotics can aid in restoring balance.
2. Prevent and Manage Digestive Issues: If your dog suffers from gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipation, or gas, prebiotics can support better digestion and improve the consistency of stools.
3. Support the Immune System: Since a large portion of the immune system is located in the gut, providing prebiotics helps strengthen the immune response by promoting a healthy gut lining and improving nutrient absorption.
4. Weight Management: Prebiotics, particularly those that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through fermentation, help regulate glucose levels, potentially managing obesity and supporting metabolism.
5. For Dogs on a High Starch Diet: If your dog’s diet is high in starch or carbohydrates, prebiotics help balance the effects of starchy foods by improving gut health and reducing the likelihood of harmful bacteria overgrowth.
Why Give Prebiotics to Dogs?
• Nourish Probiotics: Probiotics (beneficial bacteria) require prebiotics to thrive. Combining both in your dog’s diet ensures that probiotics have the fuel they need to grow and work effectively.
• Improve Nutrient Absorption: Prebiotics help the body absorb minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, promoting overall health.
• Protect Against Harmful Bacteria: Prebiotics crowd out harmful bacteria by feeding beneficial bacteria that compete for space in the gut.
Sources of Prebiotics:
Natural sources of prebiotics include foods like Some of the best prebiotic foods for dogs include:
• Cooked mushrooms
• Dandelion greens
• Jerusalem Artichoke
• Chicory root
• Asparagus
• Bananas
• Garlic.
Many commercial dog foods and supplements also contain prebiotics like inulin or fructooligosaccharides (FOS).
Introducing prebiotics into your dog’s diet is particularly helpful after illness, during stress, or when antibiotics have been used. However, it’s important to gradually introduce them to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Scientific studies show that prebiotics work synergistically with probiotics to create a more robust immune system and support a healthy gut environment , this is why most reputable probiotics will already contain prebiotics.
Signs Your Dog Needs Probiotics
Dogs can safely take probiotics daily to support digestion, boost their immune system, and maintain a healthy gut balance helping to prevent issues from an unbalanced microbiome. If you're giving a probiotic supplement as a preventative, you can give your dog probiotics most days. Soil-based probiotics are the best option for everyday use as they are less likely to cause SIBO.
If your dog is showing signs of illness or digestive issues, probiotics can help restore balance to the gut microbiome.
Common signs that your dog might benefit from probiotics include:
• Allergy symptoms (itching, rashes)
• Leaky gut
• Yeast infections (Candida)
• Urinary tract infections
• Obesity or diabetes
• Behavioral changes such as aggressiveness or anxiety
• Chronic bowel issues
Imbalances in the gut microbiome can be caused by antibiotics, toxins, high-starch diets, or excessive fat intake. Introducing probiotics and prebiotics can help address these issues.
Four Main Types of Probiotics for Dogs
Not all probiotics are the same, and different types provide unique benefits. Below are the most common types of probiotics for dogs and how they support your pet’s health.
1. Lactic Acid Probiotics
Lactic acid probiotics are among the most common and are derived from fermented milk. They typically belong to the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, which support digestion and immune health. However, they only last about 24 hours in the gut, so they need to be replenished daily.
Key Strains to Look For:
• Lactobacillus acidophilus: Supports gut health by increasing beneficial bacteria and managing harmful pathogens.
• Lactobacillus casei: Helps regulate the gut-brain axis, supporting emotional balance and reducing stress.
• Lactobacillus plantarum: Useful for dogs with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and occasional gastric distress.
• Bifidobacterium animalis: Supports healthy digestion and helps manage diarrhea.
• Bifidobacterium longum: Known for supporting brain function and managing stress.
• Enterococcus faecium: More resilient than other strains, it survives longer in the gut and supports digestion.
• Pediococcus acidilactici: This strain helps support the skin and maintain gut health in dogs prone to leaky gut. You can find this strain in the canine probiotic, Fidospore
Note: Since many lactic acid probiotics come from dairy, they may not be suitable for dogs with dairy sensitivities or allergies.
2. Probiotic Yeast
Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that’s resilient to antibiotics, making it an excellent choice for dogs undergoing antibiotic treatment. It also helps manage Candida (yeast infections) and supports overall digestive health.
3. Soil-Based Probiotics (SBOs)
Soil-based probiotics, also known as spore-forming probiotics, are naturally found in soil and water. They have a protective coating, making them resistant to stomach acid, heat, and antibiotics.
Key Strains to Look For:
• Bacillus coagulans: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this strain helps maintain gut health and supports a balanced inflammatory response.
• Bacillus indicus: Produces antioxidants, B vitamins, and vitamin K2, supporting dogs with digestive enzyme deficiencies or conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
• Bacillus subtilis: Supports the production of IgA, an important antibody for dogs with autoimmune diseases, and promotes a healthy gut lining.
4. Non-Dairy Probiotics
If your dog has allergies or sensitivities to dairy, non-dairy probiotics like Saccharomyces boulardii and Soil-based probiotics are excellent alternatives.
Best Probiotics for Specific Dog Health Issues
Different probiotics can target specific health problems. Here’s a guide to the best probiotics for various conditions:
For Dogs with Allergies: Dogs with allergies can benefit from Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis, which support immune function and help reduce allergy symptoms. Soil-based probiotics are also beneficial as they survive digestion and require fewer CFUs (1-5 billion) to be effective.
Product recommendation: KIKI Health Body Biotics & Adored Beast Apothecary Gut Soothe & Adored Beast Apothecary Soil & Sea
For Dogs with Yeast Infections: For dogs with yeast overgrowth, Saccharomyces boulardii is particularly effective. It helps restore balance in the gut and combats Candida and yeast infections.
Product recommendation: Four Leaf Rover Saccharomyces boulardii
For Dogs with Diarrhoea: Dogs suffering from diarrhea can benefit from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Enterococcus faecium. These strains help balance gut bacteria and alleviate gastric distress. Look for high CFU lactic acid probiotics, typically around 30 billion CFUs or more.
Product recommendation: Four Leaf Rover Bifido For Fido and Nutravet Nutriflora
For Dogs on Antibiotics: If your dog is on antibiotics, give Saccharomyces boulardii or soil-based probiotics like Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans to support the gut microbiome. These probiotics can be given alongside antibiotics without reducing their effectiveness.
Product recommendation; MPN Gut Guardian & Four Leaf Rover Protect & Adoree Beast Apothecary Fido’s Flora
For Dogs with Skin Issues: Gut health is closely linked to skin health. Probiotics like Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium animalis may help promote healthier skin and a shinier coat by supporting overall gut balance.
Product recommendation: Time Health L Reuteri & Epigenetics Bifido Animalis
What to Avoid in Dog Probiotics
When choosing a probiotic for your dog, make sure to avoid products with fillers, binders, or harmful additives. Some commercial probiotics contain ingredients like animal by-products and unnecessary preservatives that can harm your dog’s gut health. One example of a product to avoid is Purina Fortiflora, which contains only one strain and includes meat derivatives that provide no nutritional value.
Recommended Probiotic Brands for Dogs
Here are some highly recommended probiotic brands for dogs, based on quality, CFU count, and clean ingredients:
1. Four-Leaf Rover “Protect” (USA, Canada): High CFU count and multiple strains.
2. Adored Beast Gut Soothe (UK, USA, Canada, Australia): Specifically formulated for leaky gut and digestive health.
3. MPN Gut Guardian: Targeted for dogs with intolerances, those with sensitive guts & itchy dogs
4. Fidospore: (UK, USA, CAD) Targeted for leaky gut and digestive health.
5.Kiki Health Body Biotics: (UK, USA, CAD) SBO probiotics
6.Ferapets Probiotic: (USA, CAD) Traditional probiotic
7.Thornevet Probiotic: (USA, CAD) Targets for sensitive dogs and those with intolerances and or allergies.
How to Choose the Best Probiotic for Your Dog
When selecting a probiotic for your dog, consider the following:
• Health Concerns: Choose strains that address your dog’s specific health needs. For instance, Lactobacillus acidophilus for gut health, Saccharomyces boulardii for yeast infections, or Bifidobacterium longum for brain health.
• Strain Variety: Multi-strain probiotics offer more comprehensive benefits than single-strain probiotics for general health.
• CFU Count: Ensure the probiotic contains a sufficient number of CFUs, depending on your dog’s health status.
• Clean Ingredients: Choose probiotics without fillers, binders, or unnecessary additives.
• Shelf-Life Tested: Opt for probiotics that have been shelf-life tested to ensure the bacteria remain viable until the expiration date.
What about postbiotics?
Postbiotics are the bioactive compounds that result from the fermentation activity of probiotics in the gut. Essentially, after probiotics consume prebiotics and break down food, they produce substances like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), enzymes, peptides, vitamins, and antimicrobial compounds. These are postbiotics, and they offer several health benefits without the need for live microorganisms.
Benefits of Postbiotics for Dogs
1. Support Gut Health: Postbiotics help strengthen the gut lining, promoting overall gut health and preventing conditions like leaky gut.
2. Immune Function: They stimulate the production of immune cells, such as T-cells, and enhance immune defense mechanisms.
3. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Postbiotics help reduce inflammation in the body, which is particularly useful for dogs with chronic conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
4. Antimicrobial Properties: Certain postbiotics can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut, promoting a balanced microbiome.
5. Nutrient Absorption: They enhance the absorption of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, contributing to better overall health.
When Should You Use Postbiotics?
1. Sensitive Stomach or Probiotic Sensitivity: Unlike probiotics, postbiotics do not contain live bacteria, making them a suitable option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or immune-compromised dogs who might not tolerate live probiotics well.
2. Immune System Support: If your dog has a weakened immune system due to illness or aging, postbiotics can provide support by boosting immune function without introducing foreign bacteria.
3. Digestive Disorders: For dogs with chronic gastrointestinal issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colitis, postbiotics help reduce inflammation in the gut lining and support digestion.
4. After Antibiotic Use: Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome by killing both good and bad bacteria. While probiotics can help repopulate the gut, postbiotics can aid in restoring gut balance more gently, without the risk of live bacteria being affected by remaining antibiotics.
5. As Preventative Care: Even healthy dogs can benefit from postbiotics as part of a balanced diet. They help maintain gut integrity, reduce inflammation, and support overall immune health.
Product recommendation: Borvo Postbiotics
Key Postbiotic Compounds
• Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs): Produced by probiotics fermenting fibers, SCFAs like butyrate help to nourish the gut lining, maintain a healthy gut barrier, and regulate inflammation.
• Enzymes and Peptides: These compounds help in digestion and provide additional immune-supporting benefits.
• Vitamins and Antioxidants: Certain postbiotics produce B vitamins and antioxidants, which contribute to cellular health and defense against oxidative stress.
Postbiotics offer a unique alternative to probiotics, especially for dogs with sensitivities to live bacteria or those recovering from illness. They can be introduced to promote gut health, support the immune system, and help manage chronic inflammation.
Research continues to explore their full potential in canine health, and more supplements are starting to incorporate postbiotics into their formulations .
Recommended Retailers For Probiotic Supplements
You can purchase the recommended probiotic brands in this article from the following global retailers:
Healthful Pets (UK)
Four-Leaf Rover (USA, Canada)
Adored Beast Apothecary (USA, Canada)
The Butchers Dog (For Adored Beast Apothecary products in Australia)
Creatures Land (For Four Leaf Rover in SGP/AUS/ASIA
Our Recommended Probiotics
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Probiotic for Your Dog
Probiotics can play a crucial role in maintaining your dog’s overall health, especially gut health and immunity. When choosing a probiotic, focus on selecting one with multiple strains, a high CFU count, and clean ingredients. Always tailor your choice to your dog’s specific health needs, and rotate probiotics every few months to prevent the body from becoming too accustomed to one formula.
By choosing the right probiotic, you’ll help your dog maintain a healthy gut, boost their immune system, and improve their overall well-being.
Further Education
Here's a great video from Dogs naturally magazine which tells you what to look for in a probiotic.
